I'd build a new gate, paint the posts white and use them to hang the gate.
Other option is to try attaching a 1"x4"x48" piece of wood to the front of the posts so they appear to be 4x4 posts.

I'm wondering if changing the chain link fence into something it isn't will ultimately give you the effect you want.

But it seems a lot of people are looking for similar solutions for their chain links - I found this on Yahoo Answers that you might consider, too... "Wood lattice. It's relatively cheap, and at 4X8 feet, covers a lot of ground quickly. On the top edge, some 1X4" boards would give it a finished look. The lattice could be attached with wire ties, and the top boards perhaps with U-bolts."

I've known people to invest in a few cans of black or Hunter Green Rustoleum and paint them. Pretty labor intensive and it certainly didn't come close to looking like wrought iron, but much less obvious than the original metal.

Sounds like it's worth a shot. Heck, some of the best ideas came from trying something off the beaten and much-publicized path.

I would ask myself if I was going for effect. If you just want a general effect, you should be quite happy with it.

Yeah, gigi, that's pretty much my logic. The whole project will cost under $100 and, to be honest, ANYTHING will look better than what's there now. It's at the point where I come home and hate my house (which isn't the case at all - I love my house, I just hate my ol chainlink fence and even uglier porch rail, which also will be being replaced)

Hadn't thought of using 1x4's to fake a post - that might work! Even better would be to try and use the existing posts repainted, but how would I hinge that since as far as I can tell chainlink and wooden fences use different types of hinges?

Thanks for all the comments - keep 'em coming!

You could try something like I did.....

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:22101}}

I think I would start by removing the fence fabric and top rails. I would use the square white tubing sold at the big box stores along with the gutter stuff to slip over the post. Drill and screw through the plastic into the metal to attach upper and lower rails for the pickets.

There are probably other types but below is one gate hinge that would work.

box.........love that fence! Can you give more info of how it's made........or start another thread?

Here is a link that might be useful: post hinge

My continued thanks for all the great ideas!

I got the picket panels today - thanks to the plumbing department, I have some fittings which SHOULD work to hold it in place - I'm going to use U-shaped pipe holders screwed into the back of the wooden rail, and then got some of those strong plastic cable ties which I'll use at the bottom of each post to hold it securely in place. I THINK it should work - it's definitely unconventional but, as I said, it's not a huge expense so even if it doesn't work (or doesn't work forever), there's no harm in trying.

It's PT wood so I'm going to install it and then seal/stain it down the road after it's had a chance to breathe a bit, but at least this will get me started. I still haven't got a plan for the gate (although the square plastic covers sound like they might work), but one thing at a time, I guess! I'll come up with something ...

I'll post before and after pictures and let you know how it works!

You can also use a board on the backside to sandwhich the chainlink in case it has a tendency to get a bit too wharpy ;-) I have a chainlink that runs along the full length of my lot to separate from an easement path. The pic I posted earlier is front and side yard. In the back for privacy and savings, years ago I did a solid 6' that is attached to the cyclone by the above method.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:22102}}

boxo, I'm a fan of innovative fencing - your fence is gorgeous. Well done!

Great looking fences. The top of the board is attached by a U-bracket to the chainlink fence's top rail (on the chainlink side) of the chainlink fence and the bottom is tied to the chainlink fence. Any close up pictures of the attachment and details on it's longevity?

Did you consider the use of L-brackets bolted onto the posts of the chainlink fence for attaching wooden rails?

Thanks surf grrl, my motto has always been "Necessity's a Mutha" :-)

If you are using plastic cable ties, make sure they are the UV resistant kind. Otherwise, they will break from the sunlight within no time. Then you will be replacing cable ties all of the time. They are usually black in color and labeled as weather resistant or something of that nature. They are made of nylon.

I love the idea of attaching a wooden fence to a chained link fence. I have a 4 ft high chained link section of fence behind my garage that I'd like to cover with a 6 ft wooden fence. There's a huge weeping willow tree about 3 feet from the fence so digging post holes is not an option. However, it sounds like I could build a few fence panels and attach them with pipe holders to the wooden fence. Is there anything else I need?

We have the same problem. What we've considered doing was leaving the posts in place, but removing the chain-link part, then putting in our preferred fence using only the chain link posts. Is this an option for you?

We don't have any reason to remove the chain link fence since the wooden fence will cover it. Besides I think that leaving the horizontal chainlink poles will give the fence more support.

Get an angle grinder and a metal cutting plate (About $30 for the grinder, and about $2.50 for the plate)

Remove the chain link fence, but keep the poles. Cut your poles with the angle grinder to the desired height of your picket fence. Smooth the tops and cap.

Drill a hole all the way through the pole facing the direction you want the fence to face.

Buy your desired rail and drill a hole that coincides with the hole you've drilled in the pole. Do this on top and bottom. Bolt the board to the pole.

Get your desired pickets and nail them to your support.

Finish with white paint.

Here is a link that might be useful: This Old House has a great step by step as well